Smith & Wesson U.S. Treasury Commemorative S&W 15-4 Nickel .38 Spl Revolver
SOLD FOR: $1,125.00
LSB#: LSB251029CW027
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: Model 15-4 U.S. Treasury IRS-CID Commemorative CID 0037
Serial Number: 267K416
Year of Manufacture: 1982-1984 / Modern (Standard Catalogue of Smith & Wesson, 5th Ed.).
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: 6-Shot Double / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”/“38 S.&W. SPECIAL CTG.” The right side of the barrel is marked “U.S. TREASURY, IRS-CID / ~1919-1984~”. The left side of the frame above the trigger guard is marked “CID 0037” and the S&W monogram logo. The butt of the grip is marked with the serial number “267K416”. The right sideplate has a U.S. Treasury Dept. Special Agent shield and the four-line marcas registradas. The crane cut is marked with “267K416 / MOD. 15-4” and the crane is marked with assembly and part numbers.
Barrel Length: 4”, Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade, with an orange insert, on a serrated ramped base integral to the top of the serrated tapered rib. The rear sight is a square notch fitting in a base that is click adjustable for windage and elevation and screw secured in a slot in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth Goncalo Alves target stocks with a thumb rest and silver-colored medallions. There is light wear on the edges. There are minimal light handling marks. The grips rate in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Nickel, Case Colored hammer and trigger
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows minimal light handling and storage wear. There is some discoloration on the barrel rib and top strap. There is a turn line on the cylinder and no carbon rings on the face. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with hardly any side-to-side play on all chambers. The double-action trigger is smooth and the single action is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Accessories: This revolver comes in a wooden presentation case with blue felt interior, serial-matching belt-buckle. The exterior of the case has a commemorative plate stating “U.S. TREASURY DEPT. / IRS.CID COMMEMORATIVE / 1919-1984” and has scattered light compressions, scuffs and storage marks, the interior has light wear from the contents, in about Fine condition. The belt buckle is in Excellent condition.
Our Assessment: This Smith & Wesson Model 15-4 U.S. Treasury IRS–CID Commemorative represents a distinctive and well-executed tribute to one of the federal government’s most specialized investigative branches. Issued in 1984 to commemorate the history of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division from 1919 to 1984, these revolvers were built on the proven K-frame Combat Masterpiece platform and finished to a higher presentation standard than typical service arms. The commemorative markings, including the IRS–CID legend on the barrel, the numbered “CID 0037” designation on the frame, and the U.S. Treasury belt buckle in the case, firmly anchor this revolver within its intended historical and institutional context.
Chambered in .38 Special, the Model 15 platform has long been respected for its balance, accuracy, and refined handling characteristics. The 4-inch pinned barrel, adjustable rear sight, and serrated ramp front sight with orange insert reflect the classic Combat Masterpiece configuration, a design that served law enforcement agencies nationwide for decades. The nickel finish with case-colored hammer and trigger elevates the presentation beyond a standard duty revolver, aligning with the commemorative nature of the issue while retaining the functional elegance that defined Smith & Wesson revolvers of this era.
This example retains approximately 98 percent of its original finish and presents in Fine overall condition, with only minimal handling and storage wear visible. Markings remain crisp, the bore is exceptional, and mechanical function is excellent with tight lockup and smooth trigger operation. Accompanied by its original wooden presentation case and serial-matching belt buckle, this U.S. Treasury IRS–CID Commemorative stands as a complete and well-preserved example that blends historical significance, presentation appeal, and classic Smith & Wesson craftsmanship. Please see our high resolution photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids!!!
BF
